First Sunday in Advent 2021

First Sunday in Advent  

The Collect 

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 Old Testament Jeremiah 33:14-16 

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness." 

Psalm 25:1-9 

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; 

my God, I put my trust in you; * 

let me not be humiliated, 

nor let my enemies triumph over me. 

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * 

let the treacherous be 

disappointed in their schemes. 

3 Show me your ways, O LORD, * 

and teach me your paths. 

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * 

for you are the God of my salvation; 

in you have I trusted all the day long. 

5 Remember, O LORD, 

your compassion and love, * 

for they are from everlasting. 

6 Remember not the sins of 

my youth and my transgressions; * 

remember me according to your love

 and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.

7 Gracious and upright is the LORD; * 

therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 

8 He guides the humble in doing right *

and teaches his way to the lowly. 

9 All the paths of the LORD 

are love and faithfulness * 

to those who keep his covenant 

and his testimonies. 

The New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

The Gospel Luke 21:25-36 

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Dear Auntie Elizabeth,

I have been troubled by so much lately. I watch as so many of our people are treated so poorly by the occupying government. And I see how neighbors and friends are suffering and without so many things. They Roman officials who live in among us live lavish lifestyles and often take livestock and grain from folks without asking. I pray and ask for patience and insight, but I find myself still angry with our situation. And to top it off, my dreams have been very disturbing.

Last night, I dreamt of a child of mine. Really? I am too young to even think of having children! He was tall and strong and ready to take on the world. He radiated kindness and humility and yet was extraordinarily powerful. He looked in my eyes and spoke to me. He told me not to be afraid. I woke with a start and must have been screaming for Momma came rushing in. I told her I had a bad dream, but it really wasn't bad. Startling, really, and more like a vision or a sign than a warning. I have been wandering around all day in a haze. I thought you might understand this, my wise cousin. You have always brought me comfort!

Later today, Joseph will have dinner with us. He is very kind and handsome. I'm still not sure about marriage, but it is how Momma and Poppa have it arranged. I want to honor their choices in my life, and I hope, I hope, this can grow into some kind of love.

Keep me in your prayers, I think I might be going mad!

Love,

Mary